TOBACCO LEAVES 



we may wax it, plug it, humour it in every 

 possible way, and yet it will not go right ; 

 and then, when we set at defiance all the 

 canons that the collected wisdom of meer- 

 schaum smokers has formed, it will assume 

 such colour and brilliancy as to be the 

 marvel of all beholders. One is tempted 

 to doubt whether the law of casualty ap- 

 plies to meerschaum. They have their 

 charms ; they may gratify the aesthetic 

 sense with eagles' claws and negroes' heads 

 and skulls and other delightful and fan- 

 tastic figures; and when brought to per- 

 fection may inspire legitimate pride; but 

 they demand too much of sacrifice and 

 tender treatment. Doubtless they are good 

 masters, but they are bad servants; it is 

 not every one who will submit to their 

 exactions. 



In the modest briar there is less poten- 

 tiality of splendour ; but still it has graces 

 enough to win for itself the adherence of 



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